How do you cook plain, old spaghetti?

Question

I mean just plain old spaghetti. Usually the family adds what they want on it after. The spaghetti is in a big container, so I'm wondering how much spaghetti to use and how much water. Thanks.

Answer 1

It depends on how many people you want to feed. Generally, I put in as much dry spaghetti as will fit in my hand; like if I put my thumb and first finger around it, if that makes sense. That's enough for 2 really hungry people. Boil a big pot of water about 6 cups at least; you want lots of water so the spaghetti cooks properly, add about a tablespoon of salt. Add the spaghetti and when the water returns to the boil, turn the heat down a bit so it doesn't boil over. I cook it about 15 minutes, but test it and see if it's the way you like it.

Answer 2

I don't ever measure. I just boil a big pot of water and put a tiny bit of olive oil in the water so the noodles don't get stuck together later on and once its boiling pour in some noodles. You can never have too much spaghetti! Why not use the whole package? I usually boil it for about 10 minutes or so and its fine. Try a noodle or two to make sure its the way you like it before taking it all off the burner and letting it cool down a bit.

Answer 3

Ok use half the container, break it in half if you prefer shorter spaghetti. I never measure the water, I just add over half a pot and use a big deep pot to cook it. Add a little oil to the water, this keeps it from being sticky, but that is optional..you don't have to it's just how i make mine. Boil the water then add the noodles and cook them until they are soft. Spaghetti goes a long way, so if you are feeding a whole bunch of people, use quite a bit. If only four or five, use about half or a little more. Good luck to ya.

Answer 4

Boil a large pot of water with salt in it; when the water is at a full boil, dump the spaghetti into it. Once it comes back to a boil (which usually doesn't take long at all), cook it from 10-15 minutes, depending on how firm you like your spaghetti. I usually add a little olive oil to the water to keep it from boiling over quite so easily.

Answer 5

You fill a medium size pot will watter, once it's boiling, you add water salt and 3 spoons of olive oil, you add the spaghetti, cut it is half.The olive oil helps so it doesn't stick together and the salt gives it flavor, you can use seasoned salt too or regular cooking oil. The water must go over the spaghetti so it last long enough for the spaghetti to cook. I recommend 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, try it if it's well cooked and kind of sticky it's ready.

Answer 6

You can't have too much water, as long as the pot will hold it while boiling. Just keep in mind that the more water, the longer it will take to boil.

Bring the water to a good boil. Add a pinch of salt - it adds a little taste and keeps the spaghetti from clumping. Now, add your spaghetti. And please! There's more than one type of noodle out there - add some variety. You have spaghetti, macaroni, angel hair, shell macaroni, fettuccine, vermicelli, lasagna, just to name a few.

Boil until it reaches YOUR desired firmness. It's a matter of preference. I prefer it still a little firm, but others in my family want a little limper, so mine comes out of the pot first. Just check a noodle every few minutes til it feels right to you.

Answer 7

Just fill the pot with water, after the water boils add salt (pasta is nasty if you do not add salt) then throw in the pasta. Turn down the heat or else the pot will overflow with white foam. You can also put a teaspoon or so of olive oil in the water to prevent sticking. Stir the noodles & take a taste to check for desired firmness/softness. Drain in a colender. I eyeball the amount of dry pasta I use depending on how many people are eating.

Answer 8

1 big pot of water. I'd say about a 4 QT. Boil the water and heavily salt it. If you're serving 4 adults I'd use almost all of your "big" container. Add spaghetti noodles, stirring frequently for 10-13 minutes. You want you pasta "al dente" it means firm tho the tooth. Bite into a noodle... if you see a faint white dot in the center it's done!!! Enjoy.

Answer 9

For about 8 oz. of spaghetti Use 2-3 quarts of water. Bring the water to boil and add the pasta, let come to boil again, then turn heat down to medium. Cook for about 10-12 minutes til tender. Drain water off and then serve with favorite topping.

Answer 10

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or a whole chicken cut up 1 lb spaghetti 1 small box velveeta cheese 1 can rotel tomatoes 1 can cream of chicken soup In a large pot of boiling water seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic power and onion powder place (or use fresh garlic and onion minced) place chicken and cook gently til done (about 20 minutes) Remove chicken from water (save water) and return water to a boil. Add pasta and cook til aldente Cool chicken and cut into bite size pieces In a small pot put soup, cheese and Rotel and melt slowly together Drain pasta and place in a large casserole dish and mix in chicken and cheese mixture. Bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes til bubbly and serve with some crusty bread. This freezes exceptionally well so make a double batch and freeze one without baking. When cooking later be sure to defrost before baking